indigo – Les Mis excerpt (Mabeuf)

JNW’s color of the week is indigo (here) -and let me start by asking you – what is the first hue that comes to mind when you hear the word indigo?

For me, it was blue.

You know, like a blue-ish-kinda-deep-purple (ROYBGIV)

Well it has been fun to learn that there is debate about the amount of purple vs. blue in this color referred to as indigo, which varies for textile, paints, and then spectral colors.

Part A:

And seeing that Paula’s theme is “something that reminds you of your place” – I had to start with mon terero – looking down at an indigo-violet, Asian themed wine bottle cover –

This photo shows something else from “my place” – the wooden and metal figurines I bought at an art festival in 2006- with an indigo filter edit (linked to Thursday Special)

Part B:

I have a Les Mis excerpt for indigo.

It comes at a time in the story when Marius is in a gloomy mood because he has lost connection with Cosette.

Marius used to visit M. Mabeuf, an old man who has been trying really hard to make his fortune by growing indigo; in fact, this man’s enthusiasm and hope in this dye reminds me a lot of the people pitching deals on Shark Tank.

Anyhow, M. Mabeuf is gloomy because he is grieving the death of his good friend, a guy named Royal, who also wanted “to naturalize indigo in France.”

Hugo tells us that Mabeuf was so hopeful that indigo would bring him his fortune he “pawned his copperplates” and to invest even more money, he “reduced his breakfast to two eggs, and he left one of these for his old servant, to whom he had paid no wages for the last fifteen months. And often his breakfast was his only meal.

He no longer smiled with his infantile smile, he had grown morose and no longer received visitors. Marius did well not to dream of going thither. Sometimes, at the hour when M. Mabeuf was on his way to the Jardin des Plantes, the old man and the young man passed each other on the Boulevard de l’Hopital.

They did not speak, and only exchanged a melancholy sign of the head.

A heart-breaking thing it is that there comes a moment when misery looses bonds!

Two men who have been friends become two chance passers-by.

Okay, so this little part in Les Mis catches two characters at a heavy time. And I want to take that minute to just encourage any of you out there who might feel similar right now. For example, it is one month into the new year and you might feel like the year is not starting off the way you wanted it to.

Maybe you are sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Maybe your leg is in a cast, you are still waiting for the “right one” -or maybe you feel like Monsieur Mabeuf – where your dream is still being invested in, provisions are lean, and certain losses have left a huge void – to where the spirit feels like the murkiest and palest shade of indigo.

Well – wherever you are at in life right now, remember that life’s richest joys are not from things (even though we do need “things” to survive and live and enjoy some days – and need things to prevent parched times, but they never innately satisfy)….

And here is a little bit of wit with therapy boxes:

Remember that humor is healing and it is oh so good for the soul.

Remember that sleep is healing – and many times you are REM sleep deprived without knowing it.

Remember that your physical body will feel worse if it is not absorbing nutrients – (we are what we “absorb”) and so make it your aim to fortify your physical body in a new way!

Remember that you need more healthy fats. (And you likely need to do an inner cleanse – esp. if you are feeling like crap all the time)

Remember to start rethinking about sugar and the way it poisons the body – because sugar suppresses your immune system every single time you eat it. (But before you quit sugar, you need to “break” off of it…)

Remember that your spirit man also needs to be fortified. And so maybe this is the time that you get serious about going right to God. Forget all the religion, which is man-made – and go to the source. I double dog dare you to boldly ask God to show you great and mighty things you do not know. Today might just be the day for that.

And lastly, remember that it is good to have your opinions and views, but it is also good to have a “teachable spirit.” And so as this first month of a brand new year winds down – why not do a self-awareness check – and just examine if you have become cynical, closed-minded, layered angry, or passive about a few things (cos that is what humans tend to do – so just check for it).

Sometimes it all just starts by dropping your guard. Softening up – laughing at stupid stuff, and not taking things so serious.

Come on now, life is short and a goal should be to enjoy it more – and it starts right now.

Post navigation

94 thoughts on “indigo – Les Mis excerpt (Mabeuf)”

The first thing I thought about “Indigo” is, “Hello. My name is Indigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” OK, sorry.

Les Miserables is such a huge book – I remember that the battle of Waterloo was longer than a normal book and it was just a quick aside to explain some background! – that I’d totally forgotten that episode. It’s been quite a few years since i read it. Maybe I should take it back out someday.

Good advice, all. I love the Calvin as a businessman dreaming of his youth.

switching gears – you are so right – the history parts in Les Mis can be longer than most regular books – ha! and yes, get your copy this year – and leave it around to peruse – I think because it is such a long book that it makes for a nice one to dive in and out of – and it is actually in small reads when I discover more little gems.
here is online versionhttp://www.gutenberg.org/files/135/135-h/135-h.htm

Love your first shot Yvette. And of course the quote from Calvin and Hobbes! It is so important that we accept who we are and hat others accept us for ourselves.
A lovely post Yvette – liked the variety and the indigo moods 🙂

well said – and I was once saying that someone had an “unteachable spirit” and then I remember to think about my own stubbornness – ha! need to be firm at times, but then there is that balance thing… 🙂

That´s what sounded to me Iñigo, had a friend named like that. By the way how come the american keyboard has this letter.. ñ. Don´t remember having it while I was there.
Anyways, quite an interesting thing you just told me since my family is from the Basque country, I was suppose to be born there but it seemed in one of their trips I wanted to get out too soon, probably was getting bored already inside mom and wanted to explore the world.
Eneko, funny thing also, one of my many cousins is called that, Sayoa another Basque name from another cousin, Soraya, Ander,Ainitxe, and the list goes on. I like the Basque name, have a good ring to it.

how cool to get a bit of Sir Spaniard history from the Inigo name origin! how cool that they are from Basque.
– and my CP3 was also born too soon (just a few weeks – but so he could explore early too!!) – and so CP4 – “hermano de otra madre” –

ha! sorry, I know that was a serious comment, but your humor is always so quick too –
and thanks for giving us trice’s prompt this week. I actually read her section again and how cool that she has fossils in her house walls. have a nice day and ttys

well K – I think the best blog posts are the ones that have the essence elf the blogger – and there is no comparing for good, better best – and your pool shot is your essence – and this week this hodgepodge one was mine – cos this is where we are right now – and if we were to post about this color a year from now – I bet we both would have completely different takes on it.
and when it comes to blogging – one thing that really helped me was remembering that one things some readers come here for is to see “my” take on something. it can be quirky connections, kindergarten rhyming, or an old song they would never listen to – and so if I try to be like someone else- (not saying you are saying that) but if I tried to force a post – it not only would lose my essence, but I would miss out on letting my expression get robbed – do you know what I mean”

Like on your blog – I still recall the expensive glass of wine you posted – with the receipt and the cool down angle. That was one of my favorite posts of yours – and it was short and sweet – and completely you. but then some of your longer posts – from your trips – or from dragging a piece of artsy wood through a trail – lol – well those are the essence of K – and it is what makes your blog have a pulse. and I have not seen your pool shot yet – but I have a feeling it is bad to the bone.

Why thank you Yvette! Isn’t it funny what we remember ? I am really surprised that one stuck out to you but it was a SHOCKER indeed. Yes we project the essence of who we are here and I do it for my own satisfaction only. If I start comparing my Iphone photos to the supreme Masters of the telephoto lens that post I would never post again. Individuality is what makes the world so interesting! I think I shall remember the Indigo blog to date but also the one about your son last year and his bravery and action. ♥

oh thx for saying that K – and have you ever heard the saying about comparing is lose lose – because when we do it – it either ruffs up or deflates – and somehow even with striving for personal excellence it has to be done without comparing to others – and with the right amount of healthy horse blinders on – ha!

I’ve been down and
I’m wondering why
These little black clouds
Keep walking around
With me
With me
It wastes time
And I’d rather be high
Think I’ll walk me outside
And buy a rainbow smile
But be free
They’re all free
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
I look around at a beautiful life
Been the upper side of down
Been the inside of out
But we breathe
We breathe
I wanna breeze and an open mind
I wanna swim in the ocean
Wanna take my time for me
All me
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home
So maybe tomorrow
I’ll find my way home

Hi!
In my reader it says that I’m following you, still I got no posts in the reader. So I suspect itäs maybe on old following sign from my Panic Yesterday blog who is mixed. Anyhow. I was wondering why you didn’t post any posts! Now I tried to unfollow and to follow again – hope it works!

What a wonderful post, Yvette! The quote from Ephesians saying “Deal with anger in a healthy way” really jumped out at me. This I know, and due to the anger I feel regarding medicine right now and how my Dad died due to what was done to him in a hospital, I realize firstly, my Dad is now in THE Place of Glory, where he wanted to be for so long. Yet, the torture he endured should have never happened. This is what I must deal with, for I could not be there to prevent what happened from happening. My Dad’s death is on hands and heads and some day, those people shall have to account for what has been done. Secondly, my Dad would want me to continue what I do in Life, so that is exactly what I am doing. When I get behind my camera, that anger will be diffused by Mother, that I too know. Thank you, my friend, for such an uplifting post. I Love you. (((HUGS))) Amy

that totally stinks and I am really sorry to hear that – I knew of his passing and of your trip, but did not realize the docs messed up (and by the way – I have not been to her blog in a long time, but another blogger (Angela Stanton) started the “clueless doctors blog” –
because she had a similar experience where the docs caused the premature death of her mum. I do not agree with her on many things, but she is awesome and has such passion –

There really is some unacceptable practice going on – not everyone, but a lot – argh!

it sounds like you already are mindful of the many sides to coping with this – because it is a layered thing – and sometimes it starts by just breathing – keeping the foothold – to heal a bit and warp your head around it all (while grieving)
and as you note – letting God lead (cos there is a time to regroup and then fight, or a time to process and then just see what needs to be done – because I know angela is now advocating and little by little helping to raise awareness) argh – but it makes me mad too – and I am truly sorry – and glad this indigo post had a nugget of refreshment – that is super encouraging to hear – love ya my Cheektowaga amiga ❤ ❤

I’m truly not sure how to go about letting those who messed up aware that I am aware. But things really need to be addressed. The way medicine is set up today is downright scary, and I being the RN I am, would have known how to stand up to the “gods” and say NO! Friend, I could go on and on about this, but I won’t. What really gives me PEACE about this, is my Dad is really in the place he wanted to be. It was the way he went that boils my blood. Torture by medicine. Our health care system new and improved of today. Genocide is being practiced right now in our hospitals, and torture without regard to human kind, is being carried out all in the name of healing ???!!! Now you know why I work so hard, have made so many sacrifices, to be able to work with special needs cats, treating them for the most part naturally and proving to vet medicine that there is far more to medicine then is being taught. This experience only adds to the fuel of my passion to shout to these doctors how wrong medicine is today. FYI I am you Lancaster friend, LOL. Just sayin’ …. Just wanted to get things straight. (smile) Love to you, and thank YOU for caring! (((HUGS))) Amy

well first I changed in iPhoto I changed it to b & w and then just clicked not he “recolor” option – and chose the purple hue – adjusted it slightly and that was it – did not even have to adjust the temperature.

and later I will have to show you how colorful those art pieces are – and large. in fact this picture almost felt lackluster and too dull to me
but then I realized maybe I was so used to the bright, bold, and HD stuff – and then the simpleness appealed to me and I did not toss it out – funny how that happens

Really nice use of the literary reference to indigo. Makes me feel not at all blue! While the reference was not such a pleasant one for M.Mabouef, it is a reminder that good things do take time. Some things just can’t be rushed. Masterpieces require awful amounts of hard work, discipline, and courage. There are lessons in our waiting, as our harvests take shape. Moreover, our waiting does not suggest dormancy or complacency, but is purposeful toward the greater/final product.

thanks so much for your wonderful – seasoned comment – it sounds like you know a lot about many angles to waiting – the value of how things take time – and love how you say “our waiting does not suggest dormancy or complacency”

and I was just thinking about another side to waiting – sometimes for some people the waiting is the best they get. Or for some people – even with hard work, extreme talent, and all the goods – they sometimes will never have success in ways that are considered “limelight” big. It is just their lot in life – not every one can make the big books – not everyone – even the most amazing writers around – can have it become a best seller – and not everyone who waits and invests fully in their ideas will have the outcomes they want. Of course I see it as divine appointment (where God knows the number of hairs on our head-) –

but someone once said “success is 5% effort, talent, and waiting – and then 95% luck

– where the “luck” has to do with the TIMING of a plethora of things –

That was quite the post, Yvette… Humour, wit and a whole load of wisdom. I love how you connect things! From Les Mis to Calvin and Hobbes to Breaking Bad. Hah! You’re so right… Life’s riches joys are not from things.<3 your posts, my friend!

thanks Kan – even though we do need “things” too – because tangible needs are quite real – form existence to enrichment – to satisfy and prevent dissatisfaction = but when we try and get our inner fulfillment front hem – well those “things” come up short – and can lead to emptiness – etc. – I actually felt like I could have taken Mabeuf’s story in numerous directions – ❤
and thanks again for reading ❤ ttys

kan – that is exactly what iu was sorta referring to 😉 and not sure if you heard of Herzberg’s two-factor theory – but it is an offspring of Maslow’s tiered needs – and I like it better because not everyone cycles thru M’s pyramid the same way – and so the two-factor theory (while still not perfect) seems to offer more for the individual way we meet needs and pursue things –

Yes, absolutely have heard of Herzberg’s two-factor theory too. I studied management, so it was kinda necessary 🙂 I absolutely agree with you – it is better… and more appropriate too. There are certain things, the presence of which doesn’t make you happy, but the absence of which will make you unhappy. And similarly, others, the presence of which makes you happy.

The word Indigo reminds me of a girl I knew at school who used the word in every essay she had to write. Our English teacher was always most pleased with her, especially because she used the word “Indigo.” Funny how these things get stuck in ones mind 😊

that is actually such a cool memory – and it shows how when people have that unique little “thing that they do” how it can stay with others with that essence elf them – and kinda funny too – to use that word in every essay – I wonder “why” – like did she love the actual color – the sound of it – the look.. I wonder!

yeah – I bet the teacher fueled things even more – maybe – and english teachers are often some of my favs – but they also can be quite quirky – ha! and usually so passionate (thinking of the wonderful Mrs. George right now – so thanks to your friend – her indigo use is trickling my way – lol) –

Awesome post again Yvette! Hm, my friend’s dog called Indigo 😀 she is super sweet dog, a German shepherd and she loves banana (crazy about it actually) 😀 So that’s crossed my mind when reading your first para.. 😉

I associate indigo with purple. Mind you, my mom says I’m colour blind so… ! As for the therapy boxes, I’ll put a few of them around my computer here to help me through the day hehe 🙂 Oh and I’m thinking about Indigo Girls, they’re a music group you might know. This one seemed appropriate as it has word ‘blue’ in the song title:

purple huh… – seems like that is the majority 🙂
and thanks for the song – I do know the Indigo Girls a little – only because when in Colorado – a popular radio station (KBCO) has this thing called Studio C (which was much cooler in the late 1990’s) and the Indigo Girls played on a few of their Studio C CDs (here is one from 2009)
and this video came up when I was looking for the KBCO trax –
It is the Indigo Girls – with Jewel & Sarah McLachlan (Lilith Fair 1997 singing Water Is Wide)

G’day Yvette, This is very strange ( not the actual post, that is very interesting) because this has just popped into my feeds and dated yesterday. But it doesn’t say it is re-blogged!!! Long time no see my friend, hope all is well in your world. I regularly check your blog to see if you are home.

When I'm not plotting my next book, I watch movies and television programs, both new and old, on Acorn TV, Amazon, BritBox, Hulu, and Netflix. Afterward, I write reviews and scatter popcorn kernels. Whatever floats your remote is fine with me.